An exploration of intimate partner violence, stalking and image-based sexual abuse in intimate relationships

Phipps, Kate (2022) An exploration of intimate partner violence, stalking and image-based sexual abuse in intimate relationships. DForenPsy thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

This thesis provides an original contribution to the literature by exploring the intersection between intimate partner violence (IPV), stalking and image-based sexual abuse (IBSA). The overall aim is to improve the current understanding and knowledge of the relationship between these behaviours and likely characteristics of such perpetrators as the overlap between IPV, stalking and IBSA is yet to be adequately understood. Considering the risk of individuals engaging in multiple types of abusive or controlling behaviours in intimate relationships, it is important to understand the characteristics and factors that underpin the perpetration of these offences. This insight could contribute to how practitioners understand and manage such perpetrators through assessment and intervention. A range of methods were used, including a systematic review, two empirical research studies and a psychometric critique.

Following an introduction in Chapter One which provides a general overview of the literature and aims of the thesis, Chapter Two contains a systematic review of the literature on the prevalence and characteristics of co-occurring IPV and stalking perpetration. The results of this review indicate that there are variables which differentiate perpetrators who engage in co-occurring IPV and stalking perpetration from IPV-only or stalking-only perpetrators. However, these findings are impacted upon by definitional and methodological problems which highlights the need for further high-quality research.

Chapter Three examines whether there is an association between the propensity to engage in IPV, stalking and IBSA. The results provide support for the association between these three behaviours. Chapter Four investigates whether a number of identified variables (aversive and general personality traits, attachment style and moral disengagement) are associated with IBSA proclivity. The results highlighted that Machiavellianism, openness to experience, moral disengagement and attachment anxiety were significant predictors of greater IBSA proclivity.

Chapter Five evaluates the reliability and validity of the Propensity for Abusiveness Scale (PAS, Dutton, 1995), which was used as a measure in Chapter Three. The outcome of this critique was that the PAS is a highly reliable and valid tool for assessing the propensity towards IPV perpetration, due to its focus on reducing socially desirable responding and validation across a wide range of populations. Finally, Chapter Six draws together the findings from each chapter, and discusses the overall implications of the thesis for research and practice, along with recommendations for future research.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (DForenPsy)
Supervisors: Duff, Simon
Keywords: Intimate partner violence; Stalking; Abusive behaviours
Subjects: W Medicine and related subjects (NLM Classification) > WM Psychiatry
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Medicine
Item ID: 67490
Depositing User: Phipps, Kate
Date Deposited: 01 Aug 2022 04:40
Last Modified: 01 Aug 2022 04:40
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/67490

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